Why Texas Is One of the Most Dangerous States For Lightning Strikes

When storms move into the Arklatex area, thoughts of safety become paramount.

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As forecasters mention things like "damaging winds", "dangerous hail" and possible flash floods, most of us will give some consideration to the danger that Mother Nature can levy upon us.

One of those hidden dangers is lightning strikes and according to analysis by Play Casino and relayed by travelandleisure.com, just living in Texas means you're more likely than most to be struck by lightning.

The team at playcasino.com compiled data from the National Lightning Safety Council (NLSC) and the National Weather Service, regarding all recorded lightning deaths by state from 2006 through 2025 and Texas residents might be scared to know they were among the leaders in the entire country.

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Only Florida exceeds Texas in this horrifying category and researchers attribute that to Florida's combination of heat, humidity and sea breezes to brew the "perfect storm" for these disasters.⠀Recording an average of about 1.2 million total lightning strikes each year, Florida has experienced a total of 97 lightning related deaths over the past twenty years.

With 17% fewer lightning-related deaths over the same twenty year span, Texas thunderstorms are still incredibly dangerous. As Travel and Leisure writes, "Everything is bigger in Texas, and sadly, that extends to lightning risk. As the largest contiguous state in the US, Texas combines vast open plains, a huge agricultural workforce, and a volatile clash of Gulf moisture and dry western air that produces some of the most powerful thunderstorms in North America."

Colorado, Alabama and North Carolina round out the Top 5 and according to statistics we will soon enter the most dangerous period of the year in this regard. Danger of lightning strikes peaks from June to August, with July being the deadliest month and afternoons are the most likely period for fatal strikes.

Anytime lightning is present, we would behoove taking cover until the storm passes, as approximately two-thirds of all lightning deaths in the U.S. happen during outdoor leisure activities.